Back to School in Fort Lauderdale: Updating Parenting Plans for High School Schedules
For Fort Lauderdale families with school-age children, classes resumed in the Broward County School District on Monday, August 11, 2025. This is always a hectic time, but many divorced or separated parents face additional challenges in terms of making existing parenting plans work once their child starts high school. Between longer school days, extracurricular commitments, part-time jobs, and changing social lives, the schedule you agreed to years ago may no longer fit your teen’s needs.
Wondering whether it’s time to update your parenting plan? Florida law allows modifications when there’s a substantial change in circumstances, and moving from middle school to high school can qualify. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Why Starting High School May Warrant Changes In Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans
The Florida Statutes outline rules for determining child time-sharing. The court’s primary concern in approving parenting arrangements is protecting the child’s best interests.
Starting high school is a significant milestone, and it can bring major shifts to your teen’s daily routine and overall needs. If your current parenting plan doesn’t reflect those shifts, it may create significant stress for you and your high school student. Common reasons you may want to review your Fort Lauderdale parenting plan and make changes include:
- Academic demands require longer study hours or tutoring sessions.
- Sports and extracurricular schedules conflict with pick-up or drop-off times.
- Part-time jobs affect weekend or evening availability.
- Changing social lives lead to more time with friends and less flexibility for travel.
- Longer commute times to a new school campus.
The court will look for evidence that these changes are significant and warrant a modification and that any new plan will better serve your child’s educational, emotional, and physical needs.
Requesting Parenting Plan Modifications In Fort Lauderdale For Your High School Student
Don’t wait until high school students are overwhelmed or your own schedule is in conflict to request modifications to Fort Lauderdale parenting plans. This makes the process more stressful. Steps that can help you strengthen your case include:
- Gather documentation of scheduling conflicts, academic needs, or transportation issues.
- Talk to your child about their priorities while balancing your role as the decision-maker.
- Propose solutions that minimize disruption and keep both parents involved.
- Consider mediation before court to reach an agreement faster and with less conflict.
- Get professional legal help to prepare a solid, evidence-based modification request.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer To Discuss Modifications
High school is a time of rapid growth and change. A parenting plan that worked in elementary or middle school might not give your teenager the structure, support, and stability they need now.
At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help Fort Lauderdale families create and update parenting plans that meet today’s realities, so you and your child can focus on making the most of these important years.
If your teen is starting high school and your current plan no longer fits, contact us today to discuss your options.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
browardschools.com/backtoschool
